The Tigers (18-6, 6-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) scored the first eight points of the game and never trailed as they moved into a tie for third place in the ACC and improved their chances to make their first NCAA tournament since 1998.

The Yellow Jackets (11-12, 4-5) made just 2-of-15 3-pointers and had their three-game road ACC winning streak broken.

Clemson quickly shook off any hangover from a heartbreaking double-overtime loss Sunday at North Carolina, leading by as many as 14 in the first half, before taking a 43-31 lead at the break.

The Tigers opened the second half on a 18-8 run and led 61-39 with 11:48 to play.

Clemson won in part by making its free throws. The Tigers averaged 62.3 percent from the foul line coming in, but made 71.9 percent (23-of-32) of its attempts Thursday night.

Georgia Tech outrebounded the Tigers 39-31, but Clemson overcame the deficit by shooting 51 percent (26-of-51) from the field and 7-of-16 (43.8 percent) on 3-pointers.